Youth Development Specialist
Reports to: Principal
Supervises: None
Employment Status: Regular Full Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
JOB PURPOSE: The YDS is responsible for youth development, workforce development and
college/post-secondary awareness/readiness services that will help to keep students engaged
in high school through their obtainment of their high school diploma and enrollment in a postsecondary education; coordinates and monitors the assessment, planning process and follow
up for each youth, serves as an advocate and liaison for and on behalf of students.
Organization Expectations of Employee






Adheres to organization policies and procedures that align with the vision, mission and
goals ("helping urban youth become successful adults")
Adheres to OPP's value statement when making decisions that may affect our youth
(Youth First, Trust, Respect, Outcomes, Integrity &Team Work)
Acts as a role model internally & externally; maintains a positive and respectful attitude
Works effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences by
creating an inclusive non-judgmental environment
Consistently reports to work on time fully prepared to perform duties of position, and
works his/her assigned hours
Utilizes automated and other data systems effectively and efficiently
School Core Philosophies


Core Philosophy 1: Youth must be given the appropriate supports, both within and
beyond academics, in order to succeed.
Core Philosophy 2: Students must be active participants in their own learning.






Core Philosophy 3: Technology is a critical 21st century skill, and must be incorporated
into every aspect of the school model in order to adequately prepare students for postsecondary success.
Core Philosophy 4: High quality teacher instruction is crucial for students at every stage
of learning – particularly for students who are struggling or behind in skill attainment.
Core Philosophy 5: Students must never move back, only forward.
Core Philosophy 6: Assessment is an ongoing part of good teaching & learning and data
is vital in creating a positive and effective school environment.
Core Philosophy 7: Continuity is the key – more time in school leaves less time to fall
behind.
Core Philosophy 8: Parent and community engagement is critical to student success,
both within and beyond high school.
School Operations- Essential Duties and Responsibilities






Each student will be paired with a Youth Development Specialist (YDS) with whom they
will meet at least once a week
Works together with student to create an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to assess
where they are, and create a step-by-step plan to get where they want to be
Assesses each student's personal development through the use of the teachings and
techniques of the Thrive Foundation for Youth: intended to build a youth’s social and
emotional competence, unpack traumas, encourage the adoption of new norms and
behaviors, and cultivate a “growth” mindset
Acts as attendance monitor and provide attendance outreach to students if they are not
in school
Serves as the primary point of contact for parents, and increase parent engagement in
the student academic experience
Acts as central hub for the individualized coordination of school-wide programs and
services for each student, working with teachers and other service areas
Systems and Operations-Essential Duties














Accepts new assignments, establishes the first point of contact, reviews the Pathways
model, and builds trust with each referred youth
Provides proactive solutions and resources; empowers youth to work towards reducing
barriers
Engages weekly with youth through the following methods- email, telephone, face-toface, and social networking, etc.
Researches community resources and services based on youth’s needs and empowers
the youth and families to access services
Works with parents/caring adults to promote involvement in the student’s
education/life
Provides systematic data collection and documentation of student’s progress toward
their established goals via automated information management systems and insures
data inputs are timely and accurate, maintains student hardcopy documentation as
needed
Achieves organizational standards: engagement, participation, completion, and
retention rates
Identifies and communicates significant caseload abnormalities during monthly case
management review sessions with the Director
Serves as student’s advocate, assessing and assuring that quality care is given via oneon-one student mentoring
Collaborates with academic staff to deliver OPP’s blended learning educational
programs and Pathway Specific Educational Support (i.e. tutoring, homework help, SBAC
Prep)
Works with the academic staff to ensure students compliance with graduation
requirements
Works with Academic Services and Post-Secondary Career Coordinator in the
coordination of college/post-secondary partnerships, tours and scholarship resources
(FASFA Assistance, Bridge Programs, College Application Assistance, financial aid and
S/PSAT Prep workshops, college essays and application)
Collaborates with OPP Workforce Development department to introduce career
competency development programing and to cultivate internship placements
Assists in providing experiential learning opportunities within the school

Performs home and/or site visits as needed
Additional Duties and Responsibilities

Accomplishes tasks as appropriately assigned or requested
Qualifications






Bachelor’s degree in human services field required (i.e. Social Work, Psychology)
Two-three years of experience working in case management environment with a
particular focus on youth and/or young adults ages 14-24
Proficient in use of computer technology primarily Microsoft Word & Excel
Excellent written and oral communications skills
Ability to work independently
Valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation and/or own vehicle
If interested, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@opp.org